Lend a Hand: Learn something new

One of the many benefits of volunteering is that you can learn valuable new skills throughout your experience. The organizations listed below are providing training to prepare volunteers for their roles. Some opportunities include extensive training courses, while others provide an orientation and "on-the-job" training. By in...

Comment

seacoastonline.com

Writer

Posted Mar. 30, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Posted Mar. 30, 2014 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

One of the many benefits of volunteering is that you can learn valuable new skills throughout your experience. The organizations listed below are providing training to prepare volunteers for their roles. Some opportunities include extensive training courses, while others provide an orientation and "on-the-job" training. By investing your time in learning, you can gain valuable personal and professional experiences while helping a good cause.

Volunteer advocates needed

Sexual Assault Support Services is a nonprofit crisis agency dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse, sexual assault and stalking, while supporting victims, survivors and others affected by sexual violence in Rockingham and Strafford Counties. At SASS, volunteer advocates become the compassionate voice that survivors and those affected by sexual violence deserve. Your caring support will provide hope and a light toward the pathway to healing. Volunteer advocates provide support through the 24-hour crisis hotline as well as accompaniments to hospitals, police stations, child advocacy centers and courts. Volunteers will gain beneficial skills that translate to their personal and professional lives. Advocates must be at least 18 years old and complete a 33-hour training.

The mission of the American Independence Museum is to be a primary center and historic site in New Hampshire for study, research, education and interpretation of the American Revolution. There are several rewarding opportunities available for volunteers to help at the museum, including serving as museum guides, teachers and shop associates. Assistance is also needed with special events, marketing and gardening. The next volunteer training will take place April 10 and 11. One-on-one training is also available. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Some volunteer opportunities require periods of up to 90 minutes of standing and the ability to climb stairs.

Contact: Michelle Johnson, program coordinator, at 772-2622 or mjohnson@independencemuseum.org.

Location: Exeter

Adult learning tutors

The Adult Learner Services Program of Rockingham County provides free, confidential, one to one and small group instruction in basic reading, writing, math, English for Speakers of Other Languages and preparation for the high school equivalency test (GED) for adults. Volunteer tutors work with students to assist them in achieving their goals. Tutors are matched with an individual from their own community and meet at a mutually convenient time and public location, typically once or twice per week.

Volunteer tutors receive training, materials and support and are asked to attend a minimum of one orientation session. It is highly recommended that volunteers attend trainings, which are offered two to three times a year. All volunteers must have a high school diploma and be over 18 years of age.

Contact: Katie Walker, program coordinator, at 775-8458 or kwalker@sau16.org.

Location: Exeter.

Environmental educators

The Seacoast Science Center, located in historically rich Odiorne Point State Park, provides exceptional learning experiences in the marine and environmental sciences through dynamic and innovative programs and exhibits. Volunteers are invited to learn about the local marine environment by training to become an environmental educator. Volunteers will teach or assist with the center's field programs such as Rocky Shore Exploration (school program), Big Fish Little Fish (preschool program), visitor programs, or vacation and summer camp programs. Whether your interest is in the rocky shore, the salt marsh, or one of the five other natural habitats in the park, you can learn and share your excitement with others. Training is required; contact the center for the schedule. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to teach, and need to be physically able to travel in the park.

The mission of Victims Inc. is to complete the circle of services for trauma victims, from the onset of trauma through healing. Trauma strikes without warning, and whether it comes as a motor vehicle crash, fire, sudden death or countless other kinds of incomprehensible events, trauma intervention volunteers make a difference. The organization provides training for volunteers so that they're prepared to be with people during the most difficult moments of their lives. The next trauma intervention class will begin in the fall — contact the agency to sign up. Volunteers must be 21 years or older.

LEND A HAND: These and hundreds of other opportunities to volunteer or donate goods are brought to you by the United Way of the Greater Seacoast Volunteer Action Center, sponsored by NextEra Energy Seabrook, online at www.uwgs.org/volunteer or call 373-9105.